Like this:

Identical elements… different results. Pours 8 and 9 shared the same paint mixtures. Identical grounds were prepped exactly the same. They were poured on the same day, 9 immediately after 8. Technique shifted slightly with my mood, so it came out more floral than horror.

I also tried something new, used tools to manipulate the wet paint. A thin pokey stick (wood skewer from the kitchen) helped bring out the claws and wisps in 8 and pulled stems on 9. I also added drops of paint into paint.

Hey, if you don’t know the rules (and even if you do) you are allowed to break them… do what pleases you. Try whatever. It’s your art.

This is my first go with silicone oil (the recommended additive) and I’m thinking that I kind of like using gun oil instead. Maybe it works better when heat is applied? I priced those handy dandy little torches with the trigger handles while out shopping. It was a nice little kit with various tips for $27 US. I almost bought it, but then remembered that I already have a pencil torch. Of course, I later discovered that mine is out of fluid so I’ll have to try applying heat another day. I also missed the deadline for 5×5 submissions, totally forgot about it until a friend posted photos from the show, so I didn’t donate anything to the YMCA this year. Drats!

Like this:

Getting started… dripped paint mixtures directly on ACEO size canvas board.WIP: tilt, turn, blow, and even shake a bit trying to control paint flowPour #6: colors shift, darken as it dries.So much for using painter’s tape and handles… still ended up with a messy back.Finishing back with matte black… signed with my artist symbol.The “YO” stands for Youngstown, Ohio

Working on the little canvas board was much easier to control the flow, perhaps because ACEO is my favorite size. Stick handles helped, kept my fingers off the edges. I still ended up with a messy back.

I’m not sure if adding a couple drops of gun oil did anything. I used it because don’t have any silicone, which is the suggested additive in most of the tutorial videos, and figured Hoppe’s 9 is one of the best “fine oils” for anything. I’ll buy silicone and one of those heat torch things when I’m able to go shopping again. I don’t wander much when the streets are icy.

Oh, I’ve been making ACEO size art for so long that I forget that not everyone know what an ACEO is… ACEO is an acronym for “Art Cards, Editions and Originals” which is just miniature art, any medium, that measures 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Most are thin like sports cards, but there is no rule on thickness. Some people call this size ATC for “Artist Trading Cards” and yes, ATC and ACEO are the exact same size. It’s one of those things that are the same but not the same… the only difference is what you do with them. Artist Trading Cards are meant to be traded (never sold) and traded exclusively between artists as a means to network, share techniques, etc. Call it an ACEO and you can do whatever you want with it… sell it, trade it, no exclusive bull, anyone (not just artists) are “allowed” to collect art in this size. Considering the old masters traded (or sold) their art cards for food, lodging, and other things they needed; I stand with the ACEO crowd.